Blueberry Island Eagle

[jkjoshuatree]

Originally Posted by MikeF-NH

Viewing is best from the east side of the island which is pretty deep on the approach to as close as you can get without having foreground trees obstruct the view. If you go b/t the island and Hull or the island and Black Cat, it is much more shallow and the view isn't as good. We were staying in a place off of Kona for most of last week and checked in regularly with our eagle neighbors and were never alone. There were always a few toons, bow riders or yaks checking them out also. Some people were getting out on the island (I have no idea why) but I think there is no benefit to the viewer to do this and think observers should give them that space. Bring binoculars if you really want to see them. With the naked eye, they are just outlines but a good set of glass will bring you right in there.

…it's kind of cool to walk around the island because it's so small. There's a boy scout shack on there too. And of course you can pick blueberries.

I used to take our Whaler over there all the time as a teenager with a cooler full of food and drinks and spend the day there, snorkeling around it and hanging on the little beach.

It's really surprising how quickly it gets deep when you go from the west side of the island and snorkel clockwise towards the north and northeast.

It's a cool place to hang out for the day. A ton of people do it. You usually can't get near the beach during the weekend.

[C Tucker]

Although many of us, including me, occasionally go on the island. It is owned by AMC and Three Mile Island guests often camp out there or make trips and picnic. Please respect their rights so they do not make an issue of trespassing. Every few years the boats that moor there for the day are obnoxious and new no trespass signs appear and occasional patrols.

[Winterharborway]

So I'm here and there are no eagles... Yet will drive around a bit and will come back. Wish me luck!!

[Winterharborway]

Just came back and anchored our boat to walk around the island. Looked up and there it was! I only have my camera phone so no good picture. Was great to see!! Thanks for the tips on where to look!

[First Mate]

We boated to Blueberry/Minister Island this past Monday to look for eagles, happily in no time we spotted one perched near the top of a tree. Glad to see it!

[icg56]

Cloudy day 3-21-2015 with the Blueberry eagles. Male is smaller one on the right, female on the left. Discussing family planning (moments before). Picture quality not great, but the start of the 2015 breeding season.

[Airedale1]

Any recent Eagle sightings on Blueberry a.k.a. Minister Island? I would like to get out there and get some pictures this weekend.

[kbh]

They are pretty much always there, the nest is very high up in one of the pines, look close at the top of the pines viewing from the North side of the island and you will see the nest. I have seen at least one of the eagles in the nest every time I have been by there so far this season...

[kbh]

It's hard to get close as the water is very shallow, bring a good zoom lens. I'd love to see your pics if you get some good ones...

[Airedale1]

Originally Posted by kbh

It's hard to get close as the water is very shallow, bring a good zoom lens. I'd love to see your pics if you get some good ones...

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I don't think I should have a problem navigating the shallows as my boat (Boston Whaler Montauk 17') does not draft much water.

If I have any luck I will post the images. I do have a decent zoom lens, it's a Canon 400 f/5.6L.

Is it a mated pair there? Are they nesting? Again, thanks for the info.

[icg56]

The nest this year is slightly different location than prior years. They are in the center of the island, high up in one of the pine trees. Prior years nests fell down early so perhaps they are learning from past experience. Adults when not in nest are often seen watching from the edges of Hull Island in the high pines.

[icg56]

This year's eagle getting resady to fly.